Step 1: Copy the key - quick!

Get a copy of the key using either:

Scanner - easiestCamera - you must have a scale present in the picture (ruler etc)PhotocopierImpression in bluetak or clay, then scan it or photocopy it. I personally would try and highlight the impression with tipex or something first to ensure a good print.

Print 2 copies of it in the correct scale so that you have two 1:1 copies of the key

Now roughly cut the copies out. Don't worry about cutting each tooth properly, just leave excess paper around it all.

Step 2: Thin Metal

Take a drinks can/tin and cut a rectangle big enough to stick the key to, or any other thin metal. I have included picture of me copying the same key on a drinks can and a fish tin!

Stick 1 cutout key onto it.

Step 3: Cut the copy

Cut the new metal key copy out. You need to cut it leaving some excess metal around the teeth area, we will need the excess later!

See the second picture if you are unsure what I mean....

Step 4: Make the groove

Take another key with a groove in it, it doesn't have to be the original, we are going to use the groove in it to create our groove in the copy.

Now line the groove up with your printout and force a groove into your new copy using a ruler or something thin and blunt. Press the ruler down and whilst holding it down flatten the sides which will now be sticking up in a V shape. See the pictures for detail.

Oh sure. You know what blank to use as well, eh? Anything marked as "Do not copy" isn't on an A1/YA1E/U5 blank like this key. It'll be on a restricted or patented section, often with moving parts etc and a much tighter keyway. And I doubt anywhere in the USA will let you use the key machine yourself even if you know what you are doing - lose an eye to a bit of aluminium or other swarf and you'd be sueing them for millions. Certainly in the UK they won't even let most of the staff use the key machines in the DIY stores.

Do you get Kerrang without a digital radio? ;-p No, the Midlands is more Birmingham way. Yorkshire is definitely the North East. West Yorkshire being more westerly in it's north-east-ness, obviously. I'd say Nottingham was about as north as you can go and be Midlands. Are you anywhere near Hull? You can check for the Kingston branding - if you know what that means, you live near Hull. They tattoo the babies at birth, I hear.

There is a machine that does half of what you are talking about, called the Easy Entrie but even that is a bit more complicated than that, and it doesn't actually cut the key, either. Anyway, if you want to stop this from happening to you, there are some pretty high end locks out there. PM me if you want professional advice.